Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, greets African Union Chairman Azali Assoumani upon his arrival at the G20 summit in New Delhi. The 55-nation bloc has been invited to take part in the G20's next summit. Photo: supplied
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, greets African Union Chairman Azali Assoumani upon his arrival at the G20 summit in New Delhi. The 55-nation bloc has been invited to take part in the G20's next summit. Photo: supplied
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, greets African Union Chairman Azali Assoumani upon his arrival at the G20 summit in New Delhi. The 55-nation bloc has been invited to take part in the G20's next summit. Photo: supplied
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, greets African Union Chairman Azali Assoumani upon his arrival at the G20 summit in New Delhi. The 55-nation bloc has been invited to take part in the G20's


G20 summit shows the Global South can no longer be ignored


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September 12, 2023

Much has been written about the rise of a multipolar world following the end of the Cold War less than four decades ago. But the G20 summit that ended in New Delhi on Sunday is proof indeed that the old order is truly changing and that parts of the world once sidelined when it came to high-level decision making – particularly nations in the Arab world, Africa and what’s becoming known as the Global South – are now intrinsic to finding solutions to some of humanity’s most challenging problems.

During the G20’s two-day summit, held under the auspices of India’s presidency, the country’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, announced the induction of the African Union to the group, as well as inviting four Arab countries, including the UAE, to attend the summit. The announcement of an important multibillion-dollar rail and shipping corridor that will link India, the Middle East and Europe underscored the increasing importance of strategically positioned countries in Asia. In an unexpected development that reflected India’s consensus building, a final joint declaration that included difficult topics such as the war in Ukraine and the phasing out of coal power was agreed upon by all participants.

But this has not been the only example of emerging countries taking their place in a complex geopolitical order. Among the major new alliances and realignments on the global stage was the 15th summit of the Brics group of nations held in South Africa last month that welcomed several new members, again including the UAE. The bloc, which already includes economic heavyweights such as China and India, will benefit from a closer relationship with the Gulf, which is now firmly established as a strategic centre for trade, finance, energy production and technological innovation.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks after the G20 summit in New Delhi on Monday. India has passed the G20 presidency on to Brazil, another nation championing the Global South. Reuters
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks after the G20 summit in New Delhi on Monday. India has passed the G20 presidency on to Brazil, another nation championing the Global South. Reuters

What these developments reveal is that the days of countries in Africa and the Middle East being passively subject to policies and agendas concocted by global superpowers are over. Instead, more and more countries that were previously left outside the room when it came to global decision making are making their voices heard and acting with agency. Given the scale of the global challenges that the world faces, this has the potential to be a game changer.

One-size-fits-all solutions to the interlinked problems surrounding the global economy and the planet’s rapidly changing climate run the risk of leaving developing nations behind. Having an increased number of international forums that represent as many nations as possible could aid the fight to build consensus. Countries like India, which has been championing inclusion for the Global South, have proved adept at managing relationships with other blocs and countries that often have competing agendas, all while prioritising its own economic and political needs.

Having major economies with shared membership of several of these international bodies increases the likelihood of a more joined-up approach. The Middle East and the Gulf will have a decisive role to play, too, particularly given their strategic position.

We can expect to see more of the same in the future. The Cop28 global climate summit to be held in the UAE later this year will be another stage upon which the developing world will be on an equal footing with major industrial powers. The Emirates is a fitting home for such a global gathering and will bring its considerable consensus-building experience to bear. India has passed the presidency of the G20 on to Brazil, another nation championing the Global South, setting up further interesting developments over the next 12 months.

However, it is unrealistic to think that all outstanding differences will be resolved. Divisive issues remain, with the war in Ukraine being particularly polarising. Some commentary that sought to characterise the trade corridor announced at the G20 as a US victory over China’s Belt and Road Initiative reveals the persistence of a reductive approach that still defines the world in terms of competition, not co-operation.

In the past 32 years, since the end of the competition between the Soviet Union and the US, the world has witnessed a radical political and economic transformation, as many countries, particularly those in the Middle East and the Global South, moved away from having to align themselves with one ideological camp or another, instead becoming part of a complex, multipolar system that requires pragmatism, diplomatic skill and a willingness to forge new relationships.

The times when the UN was deemed to be the single, authoritative home of what’s called the “international community” may have changed. This is not to diminish the significance of an organisation that remains a powerful force for good. But the growth and influence of international forums and alliances that include not just the Western powers show that as the world changes, diplomacy and problem-solving are, too.

The biog

From: Upper Egypt

Age: 78

Family: a daughter in Egypt; a son in Dubai and his wife, Nabila

Favourite Abu Dhabi activity: walking near to Emirates Palace

Favourite building in Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace

In numbers

Number of Chinese tourists coming to UAE in 2017 was... 1.3m

Alibaba’s new ‘Tech Town’  in Dubai is worth... $600m

China’s investment in the MIddle East in 2016 was... $29.5bn

The world’s most valuable start-up in 2018, TikTok, is valued at... $75bn

Boost to the UAE economy of 5G connectivity will be... $269bn 

Who has been sanctioned?

Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.

Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.

Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.

Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.

Director: Romany Saad
Starring: Mirfat Amin, Boumi Fouad and Tariq Al Ibyari

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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Amith's predicted winners:
6.30pm: Down On Da Bayou
7.05pm: Etisalat
7.40pm: Mulfit
8.15pm: Pennsylvania Dutch
8.50pm: Mudallel
9.25pm: Midnight Sands

While you're here
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Stree

Producer: Maddock Films, Jio Movies
Director: Amar Kaushik
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee
Rating: 3.5

Updated: September 13, 2023, 11:17 AM`